Hillside is finalist for state initiative contract

Hillside Family of Agencies has been named one of four finalists to move into contract negotiations for the state’s Pay for Success initiative, a program that creates alternatives for family court judges and probation officers to keep youths out of institutional settings.

Hillside was chosen because of its ability to rapidly deploy and can begin enrollment in Onondaga and Monroe counties with "minimal ramp-up time," officials said. The agency also noted its focus on measurable outcomes and strong cost-benefits to the state.

“We are honored to be named a finalist for a New York State Pay for Success contract,” said Dennis Richardson, Hillside Family of Agencies president and CEO. “(It) was selected because of our deep-rooted practice of translating research into effective practice solutions. Our Intensive Community Asset Program draws heavily upon Hillside’s existing and successful Reinvesting in Youth program in Monroe County, which has already reduced re-arrest rates to 15 percent, from a baseline of 55 percent and decreased failures to appear in court from 23 percent to 3 percent.”

Hillside officials said the program is poised for statewide expansion, with the ability to serve more than 800 high risk youth in Onondaga, Monroe and two or three other counties in the next five years.